Saint Peter and Saint Paul icon written by Susan Kelly vonMedicus. Icon in the private collection of Archbishop Raymond Burke, formerly Archbishop of Saint Louis, currently Dean of the Apostolic Signatura, Rome.Image used with the gracious permission of the artist. Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. Throughout the Universal Church, we are constantly reminded of the heroic attributes each man dedicated towards the spread of the Gospel to the entire world. Saint Peter... Read Full Story

I am deeply touched that Bishop Trautman has a concern for “Joe and Mary Catholic,” out there in the pews in all of our parishes. Such a paternal condescending tone is precisely what American Catholics need to hear from their bishops when talking about the quality of the liturgical translations for the celebration of the Eucharist. Perhaps Bishop Trautman needs a reminder that the current generation of American Catholics is perhaps the most highly educated group of faithful believers with... Read Full Story

When it comes to the design and architecture of a sacred space for the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy there should always be considerable amount of time, consideration and prayer that is incorporated into making the decision. Additionally, if the Church is being "retro" renovated, perhaps to provide for an oversight in the building process, or modernization of an antiquated structure, or for that matter, the redesign of an overly modern space into something more traditional priests and... Read Full Story

The author with his brother, Stephen about 20 years ago...getting ready for an off -hours swim! Today, June 12, 2008 my late brother would have been 43 years old. Every year when his birthday rolls around, I think of him and how many times he made me laugh during his lifetime. Additionally, I also think of the many pains and issues that compounded my brother’s life that resulted in his death by suicide. The death of a sibling is a very difficult thing to accept, especially when the death is... Read Full Story

June 6th is usually remembered in the United States as the anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Europe during the Second World War. However the date usually has a more important meaning for me, it is the feast day of Saint Norbert. Having experienced the Norbertine influence as a high school student, and during my seminary years (they staff my home parish of Saint Gabriel in Philadelphia) the qualities of the community have greatly influenced my perception of life and faith. The Canons... Read Full Story

The topic of the elderly in society immediately draws my mind to a place of positive memories of my grandparents, great-grandparents and even my great-great grandmother. I was extremely fortunate to have experienced these individuals in my life. They were and are sources of inspiration that defines the texture of the fabric of society. The elderly among us are vast resources of knowledge, experiences and insights that should be cherished by all of us. After all, we are all potentially... Read Full Story

Author with Justin Cardinal Rigali at 175th Anniversary Dinner for Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, May 2007 The use of Catholic journalism to “Bishop-bash!” is just plainly wrong. For that matter, the use of Catholic journalism in any “bashing” capacity is equally wrong. There are discussions that beg an answer to the question, “Can Catholics publically disagree with their bishops?” Well, my thoughts on the matter are very simply put, Yes; Catholics have the right to disagree with their... Read Full Story

In July of this year, the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is set to be dedicated in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The project has been underway for quite some time, under the patronage of Archbishop Raymond Burke of Saint Louis. Archbishop Burke began the project prior to his transfer from the Diocese of La Crosse to Saint Louis. The construction project is a remarkable endeavor that includes all sorts of artisans and artists from around the United States, and incidentally quite a few from the... Read Full Story

Memorial Day is the recognized beginning of the summer season in the United States. It marks the beginning of summer activities such as visits to the beach, walks on the Wildwood Boardwalk or just taking a long weekend to cope with the heat and great weather of summer. Growing up in Gray’s Ferry, I remember fondly Memorial Day being celebrated with the echo of “Taps” being played in the churchyard at Saint Gabriel. Veterans would assemble a parade from the multiple VFW Posts in the... Read Full Story

Here is a guest article from an author I met during the Papal visit in Washington, D.C. The link to the website is at the end of the article. USCCB in bed with Sun Myung Moon? Posted May 19, 2008, by Joshua LeBlanc Those of my readers who listen to podcasts and read blogs are most probably aware of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and their dealings in New Media - specifically the Catholic Communications Campaign. Coincidentally the Second Collection at Mass this past... Read Full Story